What is the Meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

What is the Meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and today is a reminder of how one man’s dedication and encouragement created change throughout a society.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and nagging question is: What are you doing for others?”

This question resonates with me as I reflect on my actions and the actions of others to help people. I have tried to play my world forward with HypoGal but I admit it was not until I was stricken with a chronic illness that my world gained empathy. I applaud the Obama Care Act for some of the changes it has made to our healthcare system. The ObamaCare Bill a.k.a. Affordable Care Act, PPACAcontains a strong term that creates equality for all:

You cannot be denied insurance if you have a preexisting condition.

Thankfully, as the strive for equality continues Congress designated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national Day of a Service. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a Federal holiday observed the third Monday in January. On this day, thousands of people across the United States unite to volunteer in numerous ways to serve their neighbors and communities.

The purpose of this Federal holiday of service is to empower individuals, strengthen communities, close barriers, address social problems and move our beloved nation closer to Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Today, as I try to do my very small part in community service I honor the man who inspired change, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.